The Milgauss reference 1019 is a Rolex sports model that today enjoys considerable prestige beyond its original intent. It is a watch that, due to its niche target market, was not considered a commercial success. Originally released in 1954, the Milgauss reference 6541 was designed to meet the needs of scientists and engineers working in a magnetic environment. Rolex worked in collaboration with the Conseil Européen de Recherche Nucléaire, or CERN, to develop a watch that could withstand strong magnetic fields. The model could withstand 1000 Gauss of magnetism with no effect on timekeeping precision. Along with its companion piece, the reference 6543, the two remained in production until the beginning of the 1960s when Rolex released the reference 1019 to replace these models.
The reference 1019, likes its predecessors, featured a second inner case made of soft iron surrounding the movement. The new model was thinner and produced in stainless steel only. It remained in production until 1990. The present, well-preserved example stands out with its strong case and sharp lines with a smooth polished bezel, having in our opinion, never been polished. The beautiful silvered dial has luminous hands and hour markers with the model’s name boldly printed in red below the Rolex signature. The present wristwatch has a sophisticated mid-century modern aesthetic and offers great value while being a pleasure to wear.